In Chapter 2 of "Lord of the Flies," the signal fire symbolizes hope for rescue and the desire to return to civilization. The boys agree to create a fire to signal passing ships, representing their longing for connection to the outside world and their inherent desire for order and society. This fire serves as a crucial element of their survival strategy and highlights the theme of civilization versus savagery — as long as the fire is maintained, there is hope for rescue and a semblance of social structure.
However, as the story progresses, the struggle to maintain the fire also symbolizes the boys' descent into savagery and the loss of their initial altruistic intentions. In this chapter, the act of lighting the fire is marked by chaos and lack of organization, foreshadowing the challenges they will face in maintaining their humanity amidst the pressures of their primal instincts.
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